Biologic information detecting apparatus

ABSTRACT

In measurement requiring application of pressure to a tissue of a living body such as blood pressure measurement, noise due to vibration tends to occur. It is therefore difficult to accurately measure a pulse wave and a blood pressure value, and there is a problem of measuring blood pressure stably. It is also difficult to measure blood pressure in daily life activities or to measure blood pressure at predetermined intervals or continuously in a state where a tonometer is always attached. There is consequently a problem of providing a method of holding a biologic information detecting apparatus. The present invention has been achieved to solve the problems and an object of the invention is to provide an easy-to-wear biologic information detecting apparatus for stably detecting biologic information. 
     In order to achieve the above object, biologic information detecting apparatus according to the invention has a structure in which the apparatus includes a sensor for detecting biologic information in a pair of arms connected via a spindle, and the sensor is tightly attached to a projecting part in a living body, particularly, a tragus of an auricle.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a biologic information detectingapparatus for detecting biologic information from a part of a livingbody such as auricle of a human body.

BACKGROUND ART

As the population ages, it is becoming a very important task for thesociety to address lifestyle-related diseases of adults. In particular,in the case of a disease related to high blood pressure, it isrecognized that collection of blood pressure data for a long term isvery important. From such a viewpoint, various biologic informationdetecting apparatuses for detecting blood pressure or the like have beendeveloped.

One of conventional apparatuses for detecting biologic information byusing an external ear is a patient monitoring apparatus which isinserted in an ear canal or another region in an external ear and isalways attached (refer to, for example, Patent Document 1). PatentDocument 1 discloses, as a method of detecting a pulse wave of an arteryor a blood flow, a method of emitting light from a light emittingelement to a living body, receiving the light scattered by an artery inthe living body or a blood cell in an artery by a light receivingelement, and detecting a pulse wave or a blood flow from the scatteredlight. According to the method, pulsation, pulse wave, heart beat, bodytemperature, arterial oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and the likecan be calculated from a light reception amount of scattered light ofinfrared light or visible light emitted into a living body.

As a device attached to an ear canal or earlobe, there is an emergencyinformation device having radio communication means and includingarterial oxygen saturation sensor, a body temperature sensor, a heartbeat sensor, and a pulse wave sensor (refer to, for example, PatentDocument 2).

On the other hand, with respect to measurement of blood pressure, ablood pressure measuring apparatus using a pulsation waveform of a bloodvessel is accepted as one of dominant blood pressure measuring methodsbesides a blood pressure measuring apparatus (refer to, for example,Non-Patent Document 1) according to a cuff oscillometric method, avolume compensating method, or the like as another method.

In the application, the name of “auricle” is according to Non-PatentDocument 2, and the names of auricular cartilages are according toNon-Patent Document 3.

-   [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.    9-122083-   [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.    11-128174-   [Non-Patent Document 1] Kenichi Yamakoshi and Tatsuo Togawa,    “Biologic sensors and measuring apparatuses”, edited by Japanese    Society for Medical and Biological Engineering (JSMBE), ME textbook    series A-1, pp 39 to 52-   [Non-Patent Document 2] “Illustrated Human Anatomy Vol. 1    (translation supervisor: Michio Okamoto), Sobotta, p. 126,    Igaku-shoin Limited, issued on Oct. 1, 1996-   [Non-Patent Document 3] “Illustrated Human Anatomy Vol. 1    (translation supervisor: Michio Okamoto), Sobotta, p. 127,    Igaku-shoin Limited, issued on Oct. 1, 1996

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

In measurement requiring application of pressure to a tissue of a livingbody such as blood pressure measurement, noise due to vibration tends tooccur. It is therefore difficult to accurately measure a pulse wave anda blood pressure value, and there is a problem of measuring bloodpressure stably. It is also difficult to measure blood pressure in dailylife activities or to measure blood pressure at predetermined intervalsor continuously in a state where a tonometer is always attached. Thereis consequently a problem of providing a method of holding a biologicinformation detecting apparatus.

The present invention has been achieved to solve the problems and anobject of the invention is to provide an easy-to-wear biologicinformation detecting apparatus for stably detecting biologicinformation.

Means for Solving the Problems

To achieve the object, a biologic information detecting apparatusaccording to the present invention has a sensor for detecting biologicinformation in a pair of arms connected via a spindle. The sensor istightly attached to a projecting part in a living body, particularly, atragus of an auricle.

Concretely, a biologic information detecting apparatus according to thepresent invention includes: a pair of arms that face each other; aspindle connecting the pair of arms at one end of each of the pair ofarms; a distance varying mechanism provided for the spindle andadjusting an interval between the other ends of the pair of arms; asensor for detecting biologic information, which is attached to theother end of at least one of the pair of arms and attached on the facingsides of the pair of arms; and an extensible member for shortening theinterval between the other ends of the pair of arms.

The interval between the other ends of the pair of arms can be adjustedby the distance varying mechanism provided for the spindle, and thesensor attached to the arm can be tightly attached to a living body bythe extensible member that shortens the interval between the other ends.

A biologic information detecting apparatus according to the inventionincludes: a pair of arms that face each other; a spindle connecting thepair of arms at one end of each of the pair of arms; a distance varyingmechanism provided for the spindle and adjusting an interval between theother ends of the pair of arms; a sensor for detecting biologicinformation, which is attached to the other end of at least one of thepair of arms and attached on the facing sides of the pair of arms; and alatch for temporarily regulating widening of the interval between theother ends of the pair of arms.

The interval between the other ends of the pair of arms can be adjustedby the distance varying mechanism provided for the spindle, and closeattachment to a living body of the sensor attached to the arm can becontinued by the latch for temporarily regulating widening of theinterval between the other ends.

In the biologic information detecting apparatus according to the presentinvention, the sensor may be mounted at a tip of an adjusting screwattached to a screw hole penetrating the other end of the arm.

By mounting the sensor at the tip of the adjusting screw, the degree ofclose attachment to a living body can be adjusted.

In the biologic information detecting apparatus according to theinvention, the sensor may be a light emitting element for emittingoutput light to a living body such as an auricle, and a light receivingelement for receiving the output light from the light emitting element,which is scattered by the living body, or passed through the livingbody.

By making output light of the light emitting element enter a living bodyand receiving light scattered by the living body or light passed throughthe living body by the light receiving element, biologic information canbe obtained. For example, a pulse wave can be detected.

In the biologic information detecting apparatus according to theinvention, the sensor may be a cuff for applying pressure to a livingbody and detecting pressure from the living body.

By measuring a small pressure fluctuation in the cuff while applyingpressure to a living body by the cuff, a pressure pulse wave from theliving body can be detected.

The biologic information detecting apparatus according to the inventionmay further include a cuff for pressing a living body, which is attachedto the other end of at least one of the pair of arms and attached on thefacing sides of the pair of arms, and the sensor may be provided in thecuff.

By providing the sensor in the cuff, biologic information in a livingbody part pressed by the cuff can be obtained. In addition, the size ofthe biologic information detecting apparatus can be reduced.

A biologic information detecting apparatus according to the presentinvention includes: a pair of arms that face each other; a spindleconnecting the pair of arms at one end of each of the pair of arms; adistance varying mechanism provided for the spindle and adjusting aninterval between the other ends of the pair of arms; and a cuff forpressing a living body, which is attached to the other end of at leastone of the pair of arms and attached on the facing sides of the pair ofarms, and is characterized in that an arm to which the cuff is attachedor a frame surrounding the cuff comes into contact with a living body ina state where air is exhausted from the cuff and, the cuff comes intocontact with a living body surface and presses a tragus in a state whereair is supplied to the cuff.

The interval between the other ends of the pair of arms can be adjustedby the distance varying mechanism provided for the spindle. By reducingthe pressure in the cuff, the cause of error in measurement due topressurization can be eliminated.

A biologic information detecting apparatus according to the inventionincludes: a pair of arms that face each other; a spindle connecting thepair of arms at one end of each of the pair of arms; a distance varyingmechanism provided for the spindle and adjusting an interval between theother ends of the pair of arms; and a cuff for pressing a living body,which is attached to the other end of at least one of the pair of armsand attached on the facing sides of the pair of arms, and ischaracterized in that at least the cuff is detachable from an arm towhich the cuff is attached.

The interval between the other ends of the pair of arms can be adjustedby the distance varying mechanism provided for the spindle, andreplacement of a dirty or worn cuff and sanitary management isfacilitated.

A biologic information detecting apparatus according to the inventionincludes: a pair of arms that face each other; a spindle connecting thepair of arms at one end of each of the pair of arms; a distance varyingmechanism provided for the spindle and adjusting an interval between theother ends of the pair of arms; and a cuff for pressing a living body,which is attached to the other end of at least one of the pair of armsand attached on the facing sides of the pair of arms, and ischaracterized in that at least one of the cuffs can vary a direction inwhich the cuff comes into contact with the living body.

The interval between the other ends of the pair of arms can be adjustedby the distance varying mechanism provided for the spindle, and thedegree of close attachment to a living body can be increased by varyingthe direction of the cuff.

A biologic information detecting apparatus according to the inventionincludes: a pair of arms that face each other; a spindle connecting thepair of arms at one end of each of the pair of arms; a distance varyingmechanism provided for the spindle and adjusting an interval between theother ends of the pair of arms; and a cuff for pressing a living body,which is attached to the other end of at least one of the pair of armsand attached on the facing sides of the pair of arms, and ischaracterized in that at least one of the cuffs can slide in a long axisdirection of an arm to which the cuff is attached.

The interval between the other ends of the pair of arms can be adjustedby the distance varying mechanism provided for the spindle, and the cuffcan be slid to an optimum position in a living body.

The biologic information detecting apparatus according to the inventionmay further include an extensible member for moving the cuff toward theother end of the arm to which the cuff is attached.

By pushing the cuff toward the other end of the arm, the cuff can beclosely attached to a living body.

The biologic information detecting apparatus according to the inventionis characterized by further including a rotating mechanism for rotatingat least one of the pair of arms around the spindle as a center axis.

Even in the case where the shape of a living body is complicated, thecuff can be closely attached to the living body by changing the angleformed between the arms.

In the biologic information detecting apparatus according to theinvention, the pair of arms sandwiches a projecting part of an auriclein a human body by an arm disposed on one of side face sides of theprojecting part of the auricle in the human body and an arm disposed onthe other side face side of the projecting part of the auricle in thehuman body.

By sandwiching the projecting part of an auricle by the pair of arms,the biologic information detecting apparatus can be attached to theauricle.

In the biologic information detecting apparatus according to theinvention, the pair of arms sandwiches a tragus as a projecting part ofan auricle in the human body by an arm disposed on one of side facesides of the tragus as the projecting part of the auricle in the humanbody and an arm disposed on the other side face side of the tragus asthe projecting part of the auricle in the human body.

By sandwiching a tragus by the pair of arms, the biologic informationdetecting apparatus can be attached to the auricle.

The biologic information detecting apparatus according to the inventionis characterized by further including an ear attachment that is placedaround the base of an auricle in a human body.

The biologic information detecting apparatus can be stably attached toan auricle.

The biologic information detecting apparatus according to the inventionis characterized by further comprising: a cushion provided on an auricleside of an arm disposed on the auricle side in the pair of arms; amagnet provided for at least one of the arm provided with the cushionand the ear attachment; and a magnet or a magnetic member provided forthe other one of the arm and the ear attachment.

By providing the cushion, the biologic information detecting apparatuscan be worn for long time. Since the ear attachment and the cushionattract each other because of the magnetic forces, noise caused by bodymovement can be reduced.

The biologic information detecting apparatus according to the inventionis characterized by further including: a bridge connecting the pair ofarms attached to one of right and left auricles of a human body and theother auricle to which the pair of arms is not attached; and a powersupply unit disposed in some midpoint of the bridge and driving thesensor.

By providing the bridge extended between the right and left auricles,the biologic information detecting apparatus can be stably attached tothe auricle. By providing the power supply unit separately from the arm,the weight of the arm can be reduced.

The biologic information detecting apparatus according to the inventionis characterized by further including: an ear attachment which is hungfrom the base of an auricle of a human body; and a power supply unitdisposed in the ear attachment.

By providing the ear attachment, the biologic information detectingapparatus can be stably attached to an auricle. By disposing the powersupply unit in the ear attachment, the load on the arm is lessened, andnoise caused by vibration of a wire can be reduced.

Effect of the Invention

The biologic information detecting apparatus of the present invention iseasy to wear and can stably detect biologic information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1(A) is a front view showing a configuration example of a biologicinformation detecting apparatus of an embodiment of the presentinvention, and FIG. 1(B) is a plan view showing a configuration exampleof the biologic information detecting apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 2(A) is a front view showing a configuration example of thebiologic information detecting apparatus of the embodiment, and FIG.2(B) is a plan view showing a configuration example of the biologicinformation detecting apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a latch mechanism of the biologicinformation detecting apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 4(A) is a front view showing a configuration example of thebiologic information detecting apparatus of the embodiment, and FIG.4(B) is a plan view showing a configuration example of the biologicinformation detecting apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of attachment of the biologicinformation detecting apparatus of the embodiment to an auricle.

FIG. 6(A) is a diagram showing a configuration example of the biologicinformation detecting apparatus of the embodiment, and FIG. 6(B) shows astate where the biologic information detecting apparatus of theembodiment is attached to the auricle.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state where the biologic informationdetecting apparatus of the embodiment is supposedly attached to theauricle.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an attachment state of the biologicinformation detecting apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 9(A) shows a configuration example of the biologic informationdetecting apparatus of the embodiment, and FIG. 9(B) is an enlarged viewof a portion of a supporting member and a cuff in a state where thebiologic information detecting apparatus shown in the (A) is attached toa tragus.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the biologicinformation detecting apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 11(A) is a front view showing a configuration example of thebiologic information detecting apparatus of the embodiment, and FIG.11(B) is a plan view showing a configuration example of the biologicinformation detecting apparatus of the invention.

FIG. 12(A) is a front view showing a configuration example of thebiologic information detecting apparatus of the embodiment, and FIG.12(B) is a plan view showing a configuration example of the biologicinformation detecting apparatus of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the biologicinformation detecting apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the biologicinformation detecting apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an attachment state of the biologicinformation detecting apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing names of parts in an auricle.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   1 tragus-   2 antitragus-   3 concha auriculae-   4 antihelix-   5 helix-   6 crus anthelicis-   7 crus helicis-   8 cavity of the concha-   30 biologic information detecting apparatus-   31 first arm-   32 second arm-   33 sensor-   34 sensor-   35 spindle-   36 air pipe-   37 signal line-   40 distance varying mechanism-   41 rotating mechanism-   42 adjustment screw-   45 cushion-   46 ear attachment mechanism-   47 magnet-   48 magnet-   55 cuff-   56 cuff-   57 supporting member-   61 light emitting element-   62 light receiving element-   70 spring-   71 latch mechanism-   72 latch opening button-   73 coil spring-   74 plate spring-   75 nail for latch-   76 supporting member A-   77 supporting member B-   80 bridge-   82 power supply unit-   83 switches-   84 pump-   86 sealing member-   88 cuff rotating mechanism-   90 cuff sliding mechanism

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiments of a biologic information detecting apparatus of theinvention will be described with reference to the appended drawings. Theinvention is not limited to the following embodiments.

In the application, “the inside of a tragus” is the side of a cavity ofthe concha 8 of a tragus 1 in FIG. 16. “The outside of a tragus” is theside opposite to the cavity of the concha 8 in FIG. 16.

First Embodiment

A biologic information detecting apparatus of a first embodiment has apair of arms that face each other, a spindle connecting the pair of armsat one end of each of the pair of arms, a distance varying mechanismprovided for the spindle and adjusting the interval of the other ends ofthe pair of arms, a sensor for detecting biometric, information,attached to the other end of at least one of the pair of arms andattached on the facing sides of the pair of arms, and an extensiblemember for shortening the interval between the other ends of the pair ofarms.

The biologic information detecting apparatus may further include arotating mechanism for rotating at least one of the pair of arms aroundthe spindle as a center axis.

FIG. 1(A) is a front view showing a configuration example of a biologicinformation detecting apparatus of the embodiment, and FIG. 1(B) is aplan view showing a configuration example of the biologic informationdetecting apparatus of the invention. The biometric informationdetecting apparatus shown in FIGS. 1(A) and 1(B) has a distance varyingmechanism 40 for adjusting the interval between other ends facing eachother of a first arm 31 and a second arm 32, for example, in a portionin which the first and second arms 31 and 32 are connected to a spindle35 or to the spindle 35. The distance varying mechanism 40 has thefunction of adjusting the interval between facing surfaces of the firstand second arms 31 and 32 by changing the angle formed between thespindle 35 and the first arm 35, thereby changing an angle α shown inFIG. 1(A).

As the mechanism of varying the angle of the distance varying mechanism40, a mechanism of adjusting the angle between the spindle 35 and thefirst arm 31 by a screw, a mechanism using both friction and screwing,or the like may be used. Further, as the mechanism of adjusting theinterval between the facing other ends of the first and second arms 31and 32, a mechanism of adjusting the length of the spindle 35 may beused.

The biologic information detecting apparatus shown in FIG. 1(A) has, inits part in which the first arm 31 and the spindle 35 are connected toeach other, a rotating mechanism 41 which is obtained by breaking thetip of the spindle 35 of the first arm 31 and moves the spindle 35 inthe rotating direction. The rotating mechanism 41 has the function ofvarying an angle β formed between the direction of the first arm 31 andthe direction of the second arm 32 viewed from the axial direction ofthe spindle 35 shown in FIG. 1(B). It is option to provide the rotatingmechanism 41.

In the case of the configuration example of the biologic informationdetecting apparatus shown in FIGS. 1(A) and 1(B), a spring 70 forshortening the interval between the other end of the first arm 31 andthe other end of the second arm 32 is provided.

The spring 70 shown in FIG. 1(A) works so as to shorten the intervalbetween the other end of the first arm 31 and the other end of thesecond arm 32. For example, the interval between sensors 33 and 34 iswidened by pinching one end of the first arm 31 and one end of thesecond arm 32 to sandwich a living body and the spring 70 is released.By the stretching force of the spring 70, the sensors 33 and 34 aretightly attached to the living body.

When the spring 70 is disposed to the other end side more than thespindle 35, the interval between the sensors 33 and 34 is widened bypinching one end of the first arm 31 and one end of the second arm 32 tosandwich a living body and the spring 70 is released. By the tensileforce of the spring 70, the sensors 33 and 34 are tightly attached tothe living body.

Although a coil spring is used as an example of the extensible member,the invention is not limited to the coil spring. Any extensible membersuch as a plate spring, a torsion spring, an air spring, rubber, resin,or the like may be used.

The biologic information detecting apparatus has the function ofdetecting biologic information in a state where the sensors 33 and 34are in contact with a part of a projection of an auricle of a humanbody, for example, on both sides of a tragus of an auricle. In the casewhere the sensors 33 and 34 are in contact with a tragus from bothsides, the interval between the sensors 33 and 34 is adjusted to aproper contact state by the distance varying mechanism 40 by changingthe distance between facing surfaces of the first and second arms 31 and32. Further, the contact positions of the sensors 33 and 34 are adjustedto proper positions by changing the angle β shown in FIG. 1(B) by therotating mechanism 41. After adjustment, the interval between the otherend of the first arm 31 and the other end of the second arm 32 isshortened by the spring 70, so that the sensors 33 and 34 can be tightlyattached to the living body.

As described above, in the biologic information detecting apparatus ofthe embodiment, the interval between the other ends of the pair of armscan be adjusted by the distance varying mechanism provided for thespindle, and the sensors attached to the arms can be tightly attached toa living body by the extensible member that shortens the intervalbetween the other ends of the arms. By the rotating mechanism thatrotates the arms, even in the case where the shape of a living body iscomplicated, the cuffs can be tightly attached to the living body bychanging the angle formed by the arms. Therefore, biologic informationcan be stably detected by the small and light apparatus which can beattached in a proper position with a proper contact pressure inaccordance with the shape of an individual.

Second Embodiment

A biologic information detecting apparatus of a second embodiment has apair of arms that face each other, a spindle connecting the pair of armsat one end of each of the pair of arms, a distance varying mechanismprovided for the spindle and adjusting the interval of the other ends ofthe pair of arms, a sensor for detecting biometric information, attachedto the other end of at least one of the pair of arms and attached on thefacing sides of the pair of arms, and a latch for temporarily regulatingwidening of the interval between the other ends of the pair of arms.

FIG. 2(A) is a front view showing a configuration example of thebiologic information detecting apparatus of the second embodiment, andFIG. 2(B) is a plan view showing a configuration example of the biologicinformation detecting apparatus of the second embodiment. In the case ofthe configuration example of the biologic information detectingapparatus shown in FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B), the spring 70 for shortening theinterval between the other end of the first arm 31 and the other end ofthe second arm 32 is provided and, in addition, a latch mechanism 71 forpreventing the interval between the other end of the first arm 31 andthe other end of the second arm 32 from widening is also provided.

The spring 70 shown in FIG. 2(A) works in the direction of widening theinterval between one end of the first arm 31 and one end of the secondarm 32. For example, the interval between sensors 33 and 34 is widenedby pinching one end of the first arm 31 and one end of the second aim 32to sandwich a living body and the spring 70 is released. The sensors 33and 34 are tightly attached to the living body. The latch mechanism 71maintains the state where the sensors 33 and 34 are tightly attached tothe living body.

The latch mechanism will be described with reference to FIG. 3. In FIG.3, 72 denotes a latch unlock button, 73 denotes a coil spring, 74denotes a plate spring, 75 denotes a nail for latch, 76 denotes asupporting member A, and 77 indicates a supporting member B. FIG. 3(A)shows a state where the latch mechanism is locked, and FIG. 3(B) shows astate where the latch mechanism is released. In FIG. 3(A), the platespring 74 is temporarily retained by the nail 75 for latch, therebyregulating entrance of the supporting member B 77 to the supportingmember A 76. In this state, in FIG. 3(A), widening of the intervalbetween the first and second arms 31 and 32 is regulated. That is, itsuppresses dropping of the biologic information detecting apparatus oncesandwiching the living body.

As shown in FIG. 3(B), when the latch unlock button 72 is depressed, theplate spring 74 is opened in the direction shown by the arrows andreleased from the nails 75 for latch. When the plate spring 74 caught bythe coil spring 73 is released from the nails 75 for latch, thesupporting member B 77 can enter the supporting member A 76. In thisstate, in FIG. 3(A), the interval between the first and second arms 31and 32 is widened. That is, the biologic information detecting apparatuswhich has once sandwiched a living body can be easily detached.

As described above, in the biologic information detecting apparatus ofthe invention, the interval between the other ends of the pair of armscan be adjusted by the distance varying mechanism provided for thespindle, and close attachment of the sensors attached to the arms to aliving body can be continued by the latch that temporarily regulateswidening of the interval between the other ends of the pair of arms.Consequently, biologic information can be detected by the small andlight apparatus which can be stably attached in a proper position with aproper contact pressure in accordance with the shape of an individual.

Third Embodiment

A biologic information detecting apparatus of a third embodiment issimilar to the above-described biologic information detecting apparatusexcept that an adjusting screw on which a sensor is mounted or anadjusting screw on which a sensor is mounted and which has the functionof adjusting at least one of the interval between the sensor and thesurface of the first arm, and the interval between the sensor and thesurface of the second arm is provided for the first arm and/or thesecond arm.

FIG. 4(A) is a front view showing a configuration example of thebiologic information detecting apparatus of the embodiment, and FIG.4(B) is a front view showing a configuration example of the biologicinformation detecting apparatus of the embodiment. In FIG. 4 andsubsequent diagrams, in order to avoid complication of the drawings,indication of names of part of the components is not shown. In theconfiguration example of the biologic information detecting apparatusshown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B), in the biologic information detectingapparatus, the first arm 31 has an adjusting screw 42, the sensor 33 ismounted on the adjusting screw 42, and the interval between the sensor33 and the sensor 34 provided for the second arm 32 is adjusted by theadjusting screw 42. It is optional to provide a rotating mechanism and alatch mechanism.

The mechanism of the adjusting screw 42 may be a mechanism for adjustingthe interval between the sensors 33 and 34 by adjusting the position ofthe sensor 33 by rotating a screw or a mechanism for adjusting theinterval between the sensors 33 and 34, by adjusting the position of thesensor 33 by friction and fixing the position by a fixing screw.

As described above, in the case of attaching the biologic informationdetecting apparatus of the embodiment on, for example, a tragus of anauricle, the interval between the sensors 33 and 34 is finely adjustedby an adjusting screw in accordance with an individual difference of theshape of the tragus, so that the sensors 33 and 34 can be attached tothe tragus with proper contact pressure.

In the following embodiment, the tragus of the auricle will be describedas an example of the projection of the auricle of a human body.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 5 shows an example of attachment of the biologic informationdetecting apparatus to an auricle. In FIG. 5, the biologic informationdetecting apparatus is attached so as to come into contact with thetragus 1 from both sides so that the sensor 33 of the first arm 31 is incontact with the outside of the tragus 1, and the sensor 34 of thesecond arm 32 is in contact with the inside of the tragus 1. Since partof the second aim 32 and the sensor 34 are on the inside of the tragus1, they are shown by broken lines.

As described above, in the case of detecting biologic information in astate where the biologic information detecting apparatus of theembodiment is attached to a part of a living body, for example, on bothsides of the tragus 1 of an auricle, the positions of the sensors 33 and34 are adjusted by the distance varying mechanism 40 or the rotatingmechanism 41 in correspondence with the individual difference of theshape of the tragus 1. Therefore, the sensors 33 and 34 can be attachedin a proper position in the tragus 1 in a proper contact state. It isoption to provide the rotating mechanism and the latch mechanism.

Fifth Embodiment

A biologic information detecting apparatus of a fifth embodiment relatesto the case where the above-described biologic information detectingapparatus further has an ear attachment part that surrounds the base ofan auricle. FIG. 6(A) shows a configuration example of the biologicinformation detecting apparatus of the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 6(B)shows a state where the biologic information detecting apparatus of theembodiment is attached to the auricle. In the case of the configurationexample of the biologic information detecting apparatus shown in FIG.6(A), the first arm 31 has an ear attachment mechanism 46. The earattachment mechanism 46 is a mechanism for fixing the biologicinformation detecting apparatus to the auricle by being extended fromthe base of the auricle to the back side of a helix 5 so as to surroundthe base of the auricle as shown in FIG. 6(B).

The ear attachment may have a ring shape extending along an auricle. Theear attachment mechanism may have a structure that surrounds the base ofan auricle and its ring shape is closed by a hook. Further, the degreeof closing of the closed ring may be adjusted with a stopper.

The material of the ear attachment may be a metal having plasticity,solder alloy, zinc alloy, brass, copper alloy, aluminum alloy, stainlesssteel, Ni alloy, tin alloy, or shape memory alloy. As resin materials,plastics, polyvinyl chloride resin, acrylic resin, ABS resin, MC nylon,fluororesin (PTFE), polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene siliconeresin, polyurethane resin, or natural rubber may be used. By selectingsuch materials, the individual differences such as the size of anauricle of a subject can be absorbed.

As described above, the biologic information detecting apparatus of theembodiment has the ear attachment mechanism 46 which hangs on an auricleso as to surround the base of the auricle, so that a deviation from theposition of the tragus of the apparatus due to the dead load of theapparatus or the motion of the subject can be prevented. Thus, thebiologic information detecting apparatus is stably fixed to the auricle,and biologic information can be detected more stably.

The ear attachment mechanism 46 may have a structure which is detachablefrom the body of the biologic information apparatus, and the earattachment mechanism 46 of a size adapted to the subject can beselected.

Sixth Embodiment

A biologic information detecting apparatus of a sixth embodiment isobtained by further providing the above-described biologic informationdetecting apparatus with a cushion provided on the auricle side of anarm disposed on the auricle side of the pair of arms, a magnet providedfor at least one of the arm provided with the cushion and the earattachment, and a magnet or a magnetic member provided for the other oneof them.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state where the biologic informationdetecting apparatus of the sixth embodiment is supposedly attached tothe auricle. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram in which the auricle is shownin section along a horizontal plane near the tragus 1 viewed from abovethe head of a living body, and an attachment state of the biologicinformation detecting apparatus to the living body is viewed from abovethe head of the living body. In FIG. 7, a cushion 45 is disposed on theoutside of the second arm 32. The cushion 45 has a magnet 47 in aposition in contact with the auricle. The ear attachment mechanism 46has a magnet 48 in a position in contact with the auricle on the backside of the auricle.

The magnets 47 and 48 are on both sides of an antihelix 4 of the auricleand have polarities so that magnetic forces of the magnets 47 and 48 acteach other. The magnets 47 and 48 are fixed in contact with the auricle.

As described above, by providing the cushion 45, even in the case wherethe arm in the biologic information detecting apparatus is made of ahard material, the apparatus can be attached for long time withoutgiving pain to the subject. In the biologic information detectingapparatus of the embodiment, the cushion 45 further includes the magneton the side in contact with the auricle, and the ear attachmentmechanism 46 further includes the magnet on the side in contact with theauricle so that their magnetic forces act each other. The biologicinformation detecting apparatus is fixed to the auricle morecomfortably, and biologic information can be detected more stably.

Although the two magnets 47 and 48 are used in FIG. 7, one magnet and amagnetic member instead of the other magnet may be used. The magnets 47and 48 may be provided in the cushion 45 and the ear attachmentmechanism 46, respectively.

As described above, the biologic information detecting apparatus of theembodiment which is small and light can be attached more comfortably toa tragus of a living body in a proper position with a proper contactpressure in correspondence with variations in the body shape of anindividual, and can detect biologic information more stably andcontinuously.

Seventh Embodiment

In a biologic information detecting apparatus of a seventh embodiment,the body of the above-described biologic information detecting apparatusis attached to one of right and left auricles of a human body, and theapparatus further includes a bridge connecting the pair of arms and anauricle to which the pair of arms is not attached, and a power supplyunit disposed in some midpoint of the bridge and driving a sensor.

FIG. 8 shows an attachment state of the biologic information detectingapparatus of the seventh embodiment. In FIG. 8, 30 denotes a biologicinformation detecting apparatus, 80 denotes a bridge, and 82 indicates apower supply unit. In the case of the configuration example of thebiologic information detecting apparatus shown in FIG. 8, the body ofthe biologic information detecting apparatus is attached to one of theright and left auricles of a human body, and a power supply unit fordriving a sensor is disposed in a bridge connecting the pair of arms andthe auricle to which the pair of arms is not attached via the back partof the head of the human body. In the case where a cuff is provided forthe pair of arms, a pump for supplying/exhausting air to/from the cuffand also to the power supply unit may be disposed.

The material of the bridge may be a metal having plasticity, solderalloy, zinc alloy, brass, copper alloy, aluminum alloy, stainless steel,Ni alloy, tin alloy, or shape memory alloy. As resin materials,plastics, polyvinyl chloride resin, acrylic resin, ABS resin, MC nylon,fluororesin (PTFE), polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene siliconeresin, or polyurethane resin may be used. By selecting such materials,the individual differences such as the size of the head of a subject canbe absorbed.

The bridge may have a structure that can be detached from the body ofthe biologic information detecting apparatus, and a bridge of a sizeadapted to the subject can be selected. The bridge may be formedextensibly so as to be adapted to the size of the head of a subject.

Although the bridge extends along the back part of the head, the bridgemay extend along the top of the head or the under the chin.

By disposing the power supply unit on the head, portability andmanagement of the biologic information detecting apparatus can befacilitated. By disposing the pump on the head, a pipe can be easilyfixed and noise can be reduced at the time of detection of biologicinformation.

As described above, by providing the bridge extending across the rightand left auricles, the biologic information detecting apparatus can bestably attached to the auricle. By providing the power supply unitseparately from the arm side, the weight of the arm side can be reduced.

Eighth Embodiment

A biologic information detecting apparatus of an eighth embodiment isobtained by providing the above-described biologic information detectingapparatus with, as shown in FIGS. 9(A) and 9(B), for example, asupporting member 57 in place of the sensor 33 shown in FIG. 1 and acuff 56 in place of the sensor 34. The cuff 56 has therein a lightemitting element 61 and a light receiving element 62. The cuff 56further has an air pipe 36 for supplying air. FIG. 9(B) is an enlargedview of a portion of the supporting member 57 and the cuff 56 in a statewhere the biologic information detecting apparatus of FIG. 9(A) isattached to the tragus 1. To avoid complication of the drawings, thelight emitting element 61 and the light receiving element 62 are notshown in the cuff 56 shown in FIG. 9(A). By providing the light emittingelement and the light receiving element as a sensor in the cuff,biologic information of a living body part against which the cuff ispressed can be obtained.

In FIGS. 9(A) and 9(B), the supporting member 57 is provided for thefirst arm 31, and the cuff 56 is provided for the second arm 32.Alternatively, the supporting member 57 may be provided for the secondarm 32 and the cuff 56 may be provided for the first arm 31.

The light emitting element 61 and the light receiving element 62 in thecuff 56 shown in FIG. 9(B) form a pulse wave detecting system of areflection type and detect a pulse wave. In a process of detecting apulse wave, by applying pressure to the tragus 1 by the cuff 56, a bloodpressure can be also measured.

Ninth Embodiment

A biologic information detecting apparatus of a ninth embodiment has apair of arms that face each other, a spindle connecting the pair of armsat one end of each of the pair of arms, a distance varying mechanismprovided for the spindle and adjusting the interval between the otherends of the pair of arms, and a cuff for pressing a living body,attached to the other end of at least one of the pair of arms and on thefacing side of the pair of arms. The arm to which the cuff is attachedor a frame surrounding the cuff in a state where air is exhausted fromthe cuff is in contact with a living body. In a state where air issupplied to the cuff, the cuff comes into contact with the surface of aliving body and presses a tragus.

FIG. 10 shows a configuration example of a biologic informationdetecting apparatus of the ninth embodiment. Shown in FIG. 10 are atragus 1, a first arm 31, a second arm 32, a spindle 35, a cuff 55, anda cuff 56. In FIG. 10, the cuff 55 is disposed on the inside of an arch-or bowl-shaped front end part of the first arm 31. The tragus 1 is notsandwiched by the cuff 55. The biologic information detecting apparatusis fixed to the surface position of the tragus with the front end partof the arm around the cuff 55. By supplying air to the cuff 55, the cuff55 comes into contact with the surface of the tragus 1 and pressure isapplied to the tragus 1.

With such a configuration, in a state where the air in the cuff isexhausted, the cuff surface is not in contact with the surface of thetragus, so that a region from which biologic information is to beobtained can be prevented from being pressured. Consequently, the causeof an error in measurement by pressurization to the surface of a traguscan be eliminated more than the method of fixing the biologicinformation detecting apparatus in a state where the cuff itself is incontact with the tragus from the beginning.

In FIG. 10, the cuff 55 is disposed in the first arm 31 and the cuff 56is disposed in the second arm 32. A similar configuration can beobtained also in the case where a cuff is disposed only in one of thearms. Although the front end part of each of the first and second arms31 and 32 has an arch- or bowl-shape in FIG. 10, the invention is notlimited to the shapes. The shape may be a cylindrical shape, an angularcylindrical shape, a cone shape, or the like having therein a hollow.The shape of the arm is not limited to such shapes. A frame surroundingthe cuff may be attached to the arm.

As described above, by constructing the biologic information detectingapparatus in such a manner that the arm to which the cuff is attached ina state where the air is exhausted from the cuff comes into contact witha tragus and, in a state where air is supplied to the cuff, the cuffcomes into contact with the surface of the tragus and presses thetragus, the cause of a measurement error by pressurization to the cuffcan be eliminated.

Tenth Embodiment

A biologic information detecting apparatus of a tenth embodiment has apair of arms that face each other, a spindle connecting the pair of armsat one end of each of the pair of arms, a distance varying mechanismprovided for the spindle and adjusting the interval between the otherends of the pair of arms, and cuffs for pressing a living body, attachedto the other end of at least one of the pair of arms and on the facingside of the pair of arms. At least one of the cuffs can be detached fromthe arm to which the cuff is attached.

FIG. 11(A) is a front view showing a configuration example of thebiologic information detecting apparatus of the embodiment, and FIG.11(B) is a plan view showing a configuration example of the biologicinformation detecting apparatus of the invention. Shown in FIGS. 11(A)and 11(B) are a first arm 31, a cuff 55, and a sealing member 86. InFIGS. 11(A) and 11(B), by pulling out the arm front end part having thecuff 55 in the direction of the arrow, the cuff can be replaced. In thecase of the configuration example of the biologic information detectingapparatus shown in FIGS. 11(A) and 11(B), the sealing member 86 such asrubber packing or silicon has to be attached between the arm front endpart and the arm body so as to prevent air leakage from a pipe forsupplying/exhausting air to/from the cuff 55.

FIG. 12(A) is a front view showing another configuration example of thebiologic information detecting apparatus of the embodiment, and FIG.12(B) is a plan view showing another configuration example of thebiologic information detecting apparatus of the invention. Shown inFIGS. 12(A) and 12(B) are a first arm 31, a sensor 33, a cuff 55, and asealing member 86. In FIGS. 12(A) and 12(B), by pulling out the armfront end part having the cuff 55 in the direction of the arrow, thecuff can be replaced. In the case of the configuration example of thebiologic information detecting apparatus shown in FIGS. 12(A) and 12(B),the cuff 55 has therein the sensor 33, and the sealing member 86 such asrubber packing or silicon has to be attached between the arm front endpart and the arm body so as to prevent air leakage from a pipe forsupplying/exhausting air to/from the cuff 55 and also from a supportingbase of the sensor 33.

The cuff and the supporting mechanism which come into contact with thetragus tend to become dirty by ear wax, sebum, or the like and frictiontends to occur, so that the cuff is formed so as to have a structurewhich can be easily detached from the arm. Consequently, by easilycleaning or replacing the dirty or damaged cuff, leakage of the cuff anddecrease in permeability of the cuff can be prevented. By using adisposable cuff and a disposable supporting mechanism, an advantage isobtained such that sanitary management is facilitated.

Eleventh Embodiment

A biologic information detecting apparatus of an eleventh embodiment hasa pair of arms that face each other, a spindle connecting the pair ofarms at one end of each of the pair of arms, a distance varyingmechanism provided for the spindle and adjusting the interval betweenthe other ends of the pair of arms, and a cuff for pressing a livingbody, attached to the other end of at least one of the pair of arms andon the facing side of the pair of arms. The direction of coming intocontact with the living body of at least one of the cuffs is variable.

FIG. 13 shows a configuration example of the biologic informationdetecting apparatus of the embodiment. Shown in FIG. 13 are a first arm31, a spindle 35, a cuff 55, a cuff 56, and a cuff rotating mechanism88. In FIG. 13, the cuff rotating mechanism 88 capable of varying thedirection in which the cuff 55 comes into contact with a tragus isprovided. When the first arm 31 is an arm disposed on the outside of thetragus, the cuff 55 comes into contact with the outside of the tragus.

When the cuff 55 which comes into contact with the outside of the tragushas flexibility in rotation, by adjusting the distance between the cuffsto a length adapted to the shape of the tragus of the subject to acertain degree, without strictly adjusting the angle of the cuff, therotation angle of the cuff 55 with respect to the tragus is determinedso as to be along the shape of the tragus. Thus, easiness of attachmentimproves.

The cuff rotating mechanism 88 may have a structure capable of varyingthe direction contact with the tragus in one plane. By employing astructure capable of varying the direction contact with the tragus intwo planes, it further facilitates contact of a cuff with a tragus.

Only the cuff 55 disposed in the first arm 31 is provided with thestructure capable of varying the direction in FIG. 13. Alternatively,only the cuff 56 disposed in the second arm 32 may be provided with thestructure capable of varying the direction or both of the cuffs 55 and56 may be provided with the structure capable of varying the direction.

As described above, by providing the cuff disposed in the arm with thestructure capable of varying the direction, attachment of the biologicinformation detecting apparatus to a tragus is facilitated. Inparticular, when the cuff which comes into contact with the outside of atragus has flexibility in rotation, by adjusting the distance betweenthe cuffs to a length adapted to the length of the tragus of the subjectto a certain degree, without strictly adjusting the angle of the cuff,attachment of the apparatus to a tragus is facilitated.

Twelfth Embodiment

A biologic information detecting apparatus of a twelfth embodiment has apair of arms that face each other, a spindle connecting the pair of armsat one end of each of the pair of arms, a distance varying mechanismprovided for the spindle and adjusting the interval between the otherends of the pair of arms, and cuffs for pressing a living body, attachedto the other end of at least one of the pair of arms and on the facingside of the pair of arms. At least one of the cuffs can slide in thelong axis direction of the arm attached to the cuff.

When the first arm 31 is the arm disposed on the outside of a tragus,the cuff 55 comes into contact with the outside of the tragus.

FIG. 14 shows a configuration example of the biologic informationdetecting apparatus of the embodiment. Shown in FIG. 14 are a first arm31, a spindle 35, a cuff 55, a cuff 56, and a cuff sliding mechanism 90.In FIG. 14, the cuff 55 has the cuff sliding mechanism 90 which canslide in the long axis direction of the first arm 31. By changing theposition of the cuff 55, the cuff 55 can come into contact with theoptimum position in a tragus.

As shown in FIG. 14, by providing a spring for pulling the cuff 55 tothe tip of the first arm 31, when the cuff 55 comes into contact with atragus, the cuff 55 is positioned in a stable point. Alternatively, aspring for pushing the cuff 55 to the tip of the first arm 31 may beprovided.

Although only the cuff 55 slides in FIG. 14, only the cuff 56 whichcomes into contact with inside of the tragus may slide, or both of thecuffs 55 and 56 may slide.

In FIG. 14, although the cuff 55 slides only in the long axis directionof the first arm 31, by employing a structure also capable of varyingthe direction in which the cuff 55 comes into contact with the tragus,contact with the optimum position in the tragus of the cuff 55 isfurther facilitated.

As described above, the interval between the other ends of the pair ofarms can be adjusted by the distance varying mechanism provided for thespindle of the biologic information detecting apparatus and, by slidingthe cuff, the cuff can be positioned in the optimum position in a livingbody.

Thirteenth Embodiment

A biologic information detecting apparatus of a thirteenth embodimenthas an ear attachment for hanging the body of a biologic informationdetecting apparatus attached to an auricle of a human body from the baseof the auricle of the human body, and a power supply unit for driving asensor on the head side on the rear side of the auricle of the earattachment. The apparatus may further include a pump forsupplying/exhausting air to/from a cuff.

FIG. 15 shows an attachment state of the biologic information detectingapparatus of the embodiment. In the case of the configuration example ofthe biologic information detecting apparatus shown in FIG. 15, a pump 84for supplying/exhausting air to/from a power supply unit (not shown) fordriving a sensor and a cuff (not shown) is disposed in an ear attachingmechanism 46. Switches 83 may be also disposed.

The material and structure of a bridge are as same as described above.

By disposing the power supply unit in the ear attaching mechanism,portability and management of the biologic information detectingapparatus can be facilitated. By disposing the power supply unit in theear attachment, a load on the arm is lessened, and noise caused byvibration in a wire can be reduced. By disposing the pump on the head, apipe is easily fixed and noise which occurs at the time of detection ofbiologic information can be reduced.

1. A biologic information detecting apparatus comprising: a pair of armsthat face each other and are adapted to sandwich a projecting part of anauricle of a human body by a first arm disposed on a first side of theprojecting part and a second arm disposed on a second side of theprojecting part; a spindle connecting the arms at one end of each of thearms; a distance varying mechanism arranged on the spindle and adjustingan interval between the other ends of the arms; a sensor for detectingbiologic information, which is attached to the other end of at least oneof the arms and attached on a facing side of the at least one of thearms; and a latch for temporarily regulating widening of the intervalbetween the other ends of the pair of arms, wherein the biologicinformation is a blood pressure, the latch temporarily retains a platespring by a nail, a coil spring catches the plate spring for the latch,a latch unlock button releases the plate spring caught by the coilspring and releases the plate spring from the nail, a spring works toshorten the interval between the other ends of the arms, and the sensoris a cuff for applying pressure to the auricle and detecting the bloodpressure from the auricle.
 2. The biologic information detectingapparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor ismounted at a tip of an adjusting screw attached to a screw holepenetrating the other end of the arm.
 3. The biologic informationdetecting apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the pairof arms sandwiches a tragus as the projecting part of the auricle. 4.The biologic information detecting apparatus according to claim 1,further comprising an ear attachment that is placed around a base of theauricle.
 5. The biologic information detecting apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising: a bridge adapted to extend across right andleft auricles and to connect the arms to one of the right and leftauricles and the other auricle to which the arms are not attached; and apower supply unit disposed in some midpoint of the bridge and drivingthe sensor.
 6. The biologic information detecting apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising: an ear attachment that is adapted to beplaced around the base of an auricle; and a power supply unit disposedin the ear attachment.